"What does that make Lia Thomas ranking 462nd" - Riley Gaines reacts to sports commentator Keith Olbermann calling her 'a third-rate athlete'

Riley Gaines has been vocal about the upcoming U.S. elections, declaring her unwavering support for former President Donald Trump. However, she has been involved in a heated argument online over some demeaning remarks.

Replying to a tweet concerning the monkeypox outbreak that might cause lockdowns, Riley Gaines pointed out that the move might jeopardize the upcoming elections. However, popular American sports and political commentator Keith Olbermann had other thoughts as he asked her to focus on what she knew best.

The 65-year-old claimed that the world is dealing with important matters and as a ‘third-rate’ athlete, she should sit back. However, the 24-year-old did not take the comments lightly as she dragged transgender athlete Lia Thomas into the conversation.

"BREAKING: The World Health Organization has reportedly instructed world governments to prepare for lockdowns due to monkeypox outbreak," an X user shared.

In reply to the tweet, Riley Gaines said:

"In other words, there's an election coming up."

Slamming Gaines, Olbermann said:

"Oh hush, third-rate athlete. The adults are dealing with an actual problem, not your paranoia."

Clapping back at Olbermann, the former Kentucky swimmer dragged Lia Thomas into the chat. She said:

"If you think I'm a third-rate athlete, what does that make Lia Thomas ranking 462nd in his rightful category lollll."

Riley Gaines and Lia Thomas date back to 2022 at the NCAA Championships. As reported by Swimming World, Gaines and transgender swimmer Thomas were contesting for the title in the 200-freestyle final.

Thomas was coming off a win in the 500-free competition and was a favorite to win the 200-free event as well. After that race, Thomas and Gaines had both finished fifth but the former was the only one given the trophy. The organizers argued that the official results showed that Thomas finished just ahead of Gaines.

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Riley Gaines reacts to Lia Thomas losing legal battle against World Aquatics

Riley Gaines - Source: Getty

Riley Gaines was delighted after Lia Thomas lost a legal battle against the World Aquatics at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Thomas was out to challenge the global swimming governing body that wanted to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s events. Gaines, being a vocal critic of transgender athletes competing in women’s events, was excited upon hearing the news.

She shared a tweet on her X handle:

"Great news! Lia Thomas won't be able to compete in the women's category at the Olympics or any other elite competition. He has just lost his legal battle in Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling. This is a victory for women and girls everywhere."

After her encounter with Lia Thomas in 2022, Gaines hung up her swimming gear and never raced competitively. Since then, she has ventured into activism and been instrumental in using her platforms to fight for women's rights in the sport.